2 kings 7:2 - Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, “Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be?” He said, “Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but will not eat of it.”
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What does "2 kings 7:2" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 7:2 is part of a larger narrative concerning a severe famine in Samaria during the siege by the Arameans. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned": This captain was a high-ranking officer who served as a confidant and supporter to the king. He was a person of influence and likely a skeptic. Leaning on him suggests the king trusted and relied on his judgment.
"answered the man of God": The "man of God" is the prophet Elisha. Earlier in 2 Kings 7:1, Elisha had prophesied that within 24 hours, food would be plentiful and cheap in Samaria.
"Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be?": This is the core of the captain's response. He is expressing extreme skepticism. He is saying that Elisha's prophecy is so improbable that it would require a miracle on the scale of opening windows in heaven to rain down food directly. It's a rhetorical question implying the impossibility of Elisha's prediction coming true. The captain is essentially questioning God's power and ability.
"He said, “Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but will not eat of it.”": This is Elisha's prophetic reply. He acknowledges the captain's disbelief but reiterates that the prophecy will come to pass. However, he adds a chilling consequence for the captain's doubt: he will witness the abundance with his own eyes but will not partake of it. This foreshadows his death.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Skepticism and Doubt: The captain represents the natural human tendency to doubt what seems impossible, especially in times of crisis.
Faith vs. Unbelief: It contrasts the captain's disbelief with Elisha's unwavering faith in God's power.
Consequences of Disbelief: The verse foreshadows that disbelief and doubt can have dire consequences. The captain's doubt leads to him witnessing the miracle but not being able to enjoy it.
The Significance of the Verse in the Larger Narrative:
The verse sets the stage for the unfolding miracle. Despite the captain's (and likely many others') skepticism, God's power will be demonstrated. The events that follow (the Arameans fleeing, leaving behind their supplies) fulfill Elisha's prophecy. The captain, as predicted, is trampled to death in the rush for food, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy that he would see the abundance but not partake of it.
Therefore, 2 Kings 7:2 is a powerful illustration of the contrast between faith and doubt, the consequences of disbelief, and the boundless power of God to fulfill His promises, even when they seem impossible. It emphasizes the importance of believing in God's power, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
2 kings 7:2 - Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, “Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be?” He said, “Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but will not eat of it.”
What does "2 kings 7:2" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 7:2 is part of a larger narrative concerning a severe famine in Samaria during the siege by the Arameans. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned": This captain was a high-ranking officer who served as a confidant and supporter to the king. He was a person of influence and likely a skeptic. Leaning on him suggests the king trusted and relied on his judgment.
"answered the man of God": The "man of God" is the prophet Elisha. Earlier in 2 Kings 7:1, Elisha had prophesied that within 24 hours, food would be plentiful and cheap in Samaria.
"Behold, if Yahweh made windows in heaven, could this thing be?": This is the core of the captain's response. He is expressing extreme skepticism. He is saying that Elisha's prophecy is so improbable that it would require a miracle on the scale of opening windows in heaven to rain down food directly. It's a rhetorical question implying the impossibility of Elisha's prediction coming true. The captain is essentially questioning God's power and ability.
"He said, “Behold, you will see it with your eyes, but will not eat of it.”": This is Elisha's prophetic reply. He acknowledges the captain's disbelief but reiterates that the prophecy will come to pass. However, he adds a chilling consequence for the captain's doubt: he will witness the abundance with his own eyes but will not partake of it. This foreshadows his death.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Skepticism and Doubt: The captain represents the natural human tendency to doubt what seems impossible, especially in times of crisis.
Faith vs. Unbelief: It contrasts the captain's disbelief with Elisha's unwavering faith in God's power.
Consequences of Disbelief: The verse foreshadows that disbelief and doubt can have dire consequences. The captain's doubt leads to him witnessing the miracle but not being able to enjoy it.
The Significance of the Verse in the Larger Narrative:
The verse sets the stage for the unfolding miracle. Despite the captain's (and likely many others') skepticism, God's power will be demonstrated. The events that follow (the Arameans fleeing, leaving behind their supplies) fulfill Elisha's prophecy. The captain, as predicted, is trampled to death in the rush for food, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy that he would see the abundance but not partake of it.
Therefore, 2 Kings 7:2 is a powerful illustration of the contrast between faith and doubt, the consequences of disbelief, and the boundless power of God to fulfill His promises, even when they seem impossible. It emphasizes the importance of believing in God's power, even when circumstances seem hopeless.